DEADLY HEIST

In a well-orchestrated ambush, bandits in a van forced a security van to stop along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway yesterday morning before they sprayed the vehicle with bullets. As Clarke was slumped on the seat, gasping for air during his last moments of life, the bandits entered the holding bay of the van and made off with six money bags, which police believe contained in excess of $250,000.

The daring heist resulted in miles of traffic along the already congested highway near the Macoya intersection as police cordoned off the entire east-bound lane of the highway where the heist took place, as they processed the crime scene.

Police reported that a white van owned by Sentinel Security Service Limited was proceeding East along the highway en route from Port-of-Spain to the Piarco International Airport. At about 4.30 am, on nearing the Johnson and Johnson Limited building, the security van was suddenly struck from behind by a black Ford Ranger.

The security van spun several times before coming to a stop in front of the warehouse. It was at this moment, that the occupants of the Ford Ranger jumped out of their vehicle and approached the security van, with guns in their hands.

Without warning, the bandits opened fire on the panel van, hitting Clarke who was in the passenger side of the van multiple times about his head and chest. He died in the van where he was sitting. Another security officer who was driving the vehicle, jumped out and ran into nearby bushes. The drama played out while motorists, some with schoolchildren as passengers, were driving by.

After the bandits grabbed the six money bags, a white Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) pulled along side the security van and the bandits jumped into the SUV which sped off. The other security guard, who was hiding in the bushes, alerted the police from his cellular phone.

Officers led by Snr Supt David Abraham and including Supt John Daniel, Inspector Mark Maharaj, Sgt Rene Katwaroo and others visited the scene. Sources said that over 50 spent shells were retrieved at the crime scene.

An All Points Bulletin (APB) was issued and a dragnet search was conducted along the highway. The area where the killing took place was also cordoned off and rush hour traffic had to be diverted onto the Priority Bus Route and Eastern Main Road.

Officers, on checking the Ford Ranger which was abandoned near the security van, observed that the back of the vehicle contained bags of cement, which police said, was used to give the van stability and prevent it from swerving or overturning when it slammed into the back of the security van. The white SUV was later found abandoned in Piarco.

Clarke’s weeping daughter Vernessar Cummings described her father as a kind and caring man who was only one year away from retirement. She said that Clarke, 59, of Bregon Park in D’Abadie, was an Estate Superintendent of Police who worked with Sentinel Security Services for over 36 years. She said he was looking forward to retirement and spending time with his grandchildren.

“My father was the kindest man I know. God fearing, loving. A devoted husband and a dedicated father. He always worked hard and always provided for his children. He ensured that his family was not wanting for anything. My father always said no one wanted to do security work because the pay was too small, but it was enough for him to raise his family and put his three children through school,” Cummings said.

“To the men who did this to my father, please, please turn your life around and go to the Lord. The Bible says vengeance is the Lord’s and He shall recompense. This now is my comfort.” Up to press time no arrest had been made and investigations are continuing.